“Gift of the Mabon Madonna”
"Mabon Madonna" inside of the Abbey Church. The piece was carved in France, c. 1150.
In the northwest corner of the Abbey Church sits
a mother in her venerable place,
with patient eyes watching how you receive
the Son she gifts from her womb.
Carved from one family, the same tree,
no wooden cross could separate—
no cross could bear him forever.
But she, his mother, would.
Her termite-ridden knees
cradle the body of her son.
Her left hand curves around his tiny fingers,
holding her sorrows in her heart,
offering comfort as he sits.
He looks out from his throne of wisdom—
advocata nostra, holding the world before his gaze.
Through her yes,
we receive our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
Through her yes, a little hand rises
blessing us with the promise:
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”
Robes folding inward,
circles gathering into circles,
as words turn over and over
in the humble chamber of the heart.
Oh, to look beyond the wood,
to contemplate a life made holy
by the simple courage of a yes—
hearing the word and keeping it;
receiving the Son, holding Him close;
witnessing the true foretaste of heaven,
the true foretaste of wisdom.
Let it be…
Editor’s Note: This poem was composed for the 63rd anniversary of the “Mabon Madonna,” which has graced the Abbey Church since Oct. 24, 1963, two years after the church was dedicated and opened its doors to prayer.
